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Roses are the most universally loved flowers. There is more. They are used in all types of floral arrangements, from a single rose in a bud vase to large mass arrangements, centrepieces, gift boxes, tributes & wedding designs.

Roses look wonderful used in traditional & modern floral arrangements.

There are literally thousands of different varieties, ranging from tiny miniature roses to large full roses.

Roses come in almost every shade imaginable including white, pastels such as pale pink & soft peach, bright colours such as yellow & orange & deep tones such as dark burgundy.

Red roses are traditionally often used to say “I love You”.

Roses are ideal for weddings, because they come in so many shades, that it is relatively easy to match the colours worn by the bridal party. Roses are generally available year round. Roses can be in short supply in Winter, but this is not a problem, as they are flown in by air from other countries all around the world.

Roses are named after famous people, & it is considered a great honour to have a rose named after you.

People who have had a rose named after them include Queen Elizabeth, President J F Kennedy & Barbra Streisand.

Roses can be arranged in a vase on their own or with foliage such as leather fern, ivy or eucalyptus gum. Using foliage will make the arrangement look fuller & will help hold the rose stems in place.

When you receive a bunch of roses or pick roses from the garden, there’re a few tips to help them stay fresh for the longest possible time.

Buy or pick roses when they are ½ open. Very tight buds may never open, & the petals may fall after a day or two with roses that are picked when they are too open.

Carefully get rid of any damaged outer petals by holding the base of the petal between your finger & thumb & gently lift the petal out.

If just the edges of a petal are damaged, you can carefully trim off the damaged part with a pair of sharp scissors, just inside the outer edge of the petal carefully following just inside the petal for a natural look.

The flowers will have the maximum life if you re - cut the stems under water. To do this, fill a deep bowl or sink with water. Hold the ends of the rose stems under water on an angle & cut about 5cm (2″) from the ends of the stems on a slant with a sharp pair of cutters or a knife. A small drop of water will cling to the end of the stems & help stop air bubbles forming that can shorten the life of the flowers.

Remove the lower leaves from the bottom third of the stems. Leaves standing under the water line will pollute the water. It will become cloudy looking & the flowers will not last nearly so long. Place the flowers immediately in a bucket ½ filled with water, preferably with a flower preservative added to the water, & allow them to have a long drink for at least 4-5 hours before arranging them. Flower preservative are usually available at garden centres.

By using foliage such as leather fern or eucalyptus gum with the roses it will make the arrangement fuller & help hold the rose stems in position. Strip off the lower pieces of foliage that will come under the water line & give them a long drink in water before using them.

A vase, about (18-25cm)7-10 inches high, is a good size for an arrangement.

Half fill the vase with water and, if possible, add flower preservative to help cut down on bacteria. Cut the foliage stems to the desired length. They should be at least one & a ½ times the height of the container & place the stems in the container crisscrossing them on an angle so the foliage tips extend over the edges of the container. Fill in the centre with foliage.

Add the roses cutting each one to the desired length. For good balance, if the flowers are different sizes, place the smallest ones to the outer edges & have the largest flowers in the centre.

Leave a space between the flowers heads, so they are not over crowded. Spray the arrangement lightly with water.

If using florist foam, soak it in water for a few minutes & secure it in the container with a plastic gaud or pot tape, crisscrossing it over the top of the container & down the sides of the container for about 5cm (2″) & then arrange the roses in the foam following the same guidelines above .

Place the arrangement in a cool place away from direct sunlight, heater, draught or air conditioner.

After Care -Top up with water every couple of days.

Some of the roses will last longer than others, as they wither get rid of them.

When you only have few roses left, you can re-cut the ends of the stems & re-arrange them in a smaller container.

By following these simple care tips, you will have received the maximum amount of pleasure from your roses!

About The Author Fay Chamoun is the principal of Floral Art School of Australia & International Floral Design School. For details of our Floristry Diploma Classess & Home Study Correspondence Courses please click onto http://www.floral-art-school.com.au

Fay Chamoun(c) Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. You are welcome to publish this article as long as you use it in its entirety with our live web site link & contact details intact.